SALE! SALE! SALE!

by JenniferT on July 26, 2011 · 0 comments

in Clothing,Sale,Seattle,Shopping,URU Designs

Yes! You’ve read right, we are having a sale.  As July is coming to a close and August is creeping up on us, we are having a sale to free up some space for our fall shipments.  Simple Life is happy to announce that our  URU spring colors are 30% off! If you aren’t familiar with URU it is a hand-dyed embossed machine washable silk.

Now we know that you may have questions about wearing spring like colors in fall. What’s great about URU is that the fabric is thin, soft and perfect for layering. A lot of the tops can be worn as your accent color. In the last photo, the tops are in a Sienna color, which has been a projected color of popularity for fall’s color palette. So not only do you have your accent colors of pop for fall on sale, but you’ve also got a fashion trending color.

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Favorite Item Of The Week

by JenniferT on July 20, 2011 · 0 comments

in Asian Eye,Scarves,Shopping

What I personally love about this Asian Eye scarf is that despite the summer we are having here in Seattle, I feel like this particular scarf  exudes just that. Summer. The red flowers remind me of Hibiscus flowers on tropical islands such as Samoa, Hawai’i and Tahiti.  Oh, just let a girl can dream of some heat, will ya?  Oh, ok I’ll snap out of it and get back to business. This lovely Asian Eye scarf is set at a very reasonable price which would be perfect as a gift, or a keeper for yourself. $28 for a soft viscose scarf is a treat for anyone.  I hope you enjoyed my favorite item of the week! Come by and pick one up while they last.

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Just In! URU and Kleen

by JenniferT on July 10, 2011 · 0 comments

in Clothing,Kleen,Shopping,URU Designs

* Shown above: (LEFT) Asian Eye' EAZY' scarf, Kleen Tux Front Jacket, Fridaze Asymmetrical Top Flip Collar shirt, Kleen Crop Pop Pant. (RIGHT) Asian Eye 'SQUINT'' scarf , Kleen V Tucks Tank, Kleen long sleeve Big Shirt and the Kleen Pull on Skirt.

If you have been in the store within the last couple of days then you know that we’ve recently received shipments from URU and Kleen!  If you haven’t been in the store, then here’s your reminder along with some merchandise shots.  We’ve received some great color ways of your favorite styles of URU, and since we are on the subject we are offering a special buy one, get the second one 25% off!

All time favorite URU classic, the Catalina in Grass.

So difficult to think ahead to fall when it feels like our summer in Seattle  has finally arrived.  However, we received a fall shipment from Kleen on Friday.  Half of the pieces are in a lovely silk and linen blend with warm rich colors fitting perfectly with fall.  The other half of this delivery is in that lovable viscose and spandex blend.

Kleen V-Neck top and Long Tie Up Skirt in Bramble.

Drop in and take a look at the rest of the shipments from each vendor! We’ve got some gems!

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Get A Head Start On Your Fall Wardrobe!

by JenniferT on July 8, 2011 · 0 comments

in Asian Eye,Clothing,Shopping


We just received a large and lovely shipment of Asian Eye scarves! I know it is a little difficult to think ahead when our Seattle summer has just begun, however, Asian Eye is pleased to present their Fall/Winter 2011/2012 collection.  Indulge yourself in the warmth of wools, the shimmer of silks — we know you will appreciate their unique vision of affordable luxury!

Don’t wait too long, these beauties are already flying off the racks!

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4th of July Recipes

by JenniferT on June 28, 2011 · 1 comment

in Uncategorized

With the celebration of our country’s day of independence a week away, we here at the Simple Life wanted to share with you our top 5 Independence Day recipes. These simple recipes are sure to have you and your guests’ taste buds booming more so than the fireworks!

1.) Chilled Watermelon Steaks with Feta and Basil Vinaigrette


Ingredients:
6 slices watermelon 4″ x 4″ x 3/4″
2 Tablespoons crumbled Feta cheese
15 leaves fresh basil, chopped (or chiffonade)
1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
?
Directions:
1. Arrange watermelon “steaks” on a plate, as desired.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, pepper and garlic.  (Alternatively you can blend these ingredients in a small food processor to emulsify the mix…but I really don’t use big words so early in the week.  I usually stick to four-letter words or less on a Monday.
3.  Drizzle balsamic dressing over watermelon steaks. Sprinkle with feta crumbles.
Thank you Rabbit Food Rocks for yet another delicious, healthy recipe!
2.) Patriotic Chips and Salsa


I was shopping this past weekend and saw the most fantastic Freedom Chips {Red, White & Blue Tortilla Chips}. They pair perfectly with my homemade chunky salsa and will make a fantastic addition to our Fourth of July celebration menu. If you can’t find these festive chips you could substitute blue corn tortilla chips mixed in with traditional corn tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
6 large fresh tomatoes – petite diced
2 cloves of garlic – minced
1  onion (red or white) – minced
1  lime – juiced
2 tablespoon fresh cilantro – roughly chopped
2 small jalapeno – seeded and minced
salt/pepper to taste

*Depending on how many guests you are expecting, exceed the given ingredients.

Directions:
1. Into a bowl add: tomatoes, garlic, onion, lime juice, cilantro and jalapeno. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Serve with tortilla chips.

3.) Barbecue Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs


Ingredients:
4 beef hot dogs, we like Nathan’s or Hebrew National
2 slices of bacon, apple wood smoked if you have that available.
1/2 cup honey barbecue sauce
Chopped onions, mustard, relish, Sriracha, cream cheese…or any other condiment you enjoy with your dogs.

*Depending on how many guests you are expecting, exceed the given ingredients.

Directions:
Slice the bacon in half lengthwise.  Wrap one of the strips of bacon around each hot dog.  Place on a cookie sheet and bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the hot dog is browned.   Serve on hot dog buns with your favorite toppings.

4.)  Santa Maria-Style Tri-Tips


Ingredients:
1 beef tri-tip roast (about 2 lbs)
2 tabelspoons olive oil
4 to 5 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper

*Depending on how many guests you are expecting, exceed the given ingredients.

Directions:
Trim excess fat from the roast, but leave a little fat on one side so the meat stays moist and tender during grilling. Rub the tri-tip all over with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours (30 minutes at a bare minimum), or overnight for more flavor.

Sear meat over flames for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to get a nice, dark crust and seal in juices. Cook for another 20 to 30 minutes over low heat to the desired degree of doneness. (Check with a meat thermometer. Roasts go from rare to well-done very quickly, within 10 minutes.)

Remove tri-tip from heat and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice into thin slices and serve with salsa or barbecue sauce.

5.)  Lime Ginger Fizz

Serves 12 gen­er­ously

Ingredients:
1–12 ounce con­tainer frozen limeade
4 cups gran­u­lated sugar
8 cups water
Club soda or pellegrino
Gin­ger syrup
Limes for gar­nish and extra fla­vor if desired

Directions:
Heat the water and sugar in a saucepan just until dis­solved.  Add frozen (or thaw it first–doesn’t really matter!) limeaid and mix well. Pour into non-reactive con­tain­ers and freeze sev­eral hours. Trans­fer from freezer to fridge 30 min­utes or so before serv­ing to slightly soften. Either mix entire amount in a large punch powl with club soda, or scoop indi­vid­u­ally into glasses and add club soda to taste. Driz­zle desired amount of gin­ger syrup onto mixed drink, gar­nish and serve

Please feel free to copy, paste and print these simple recipes!  HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

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Summerize your wardrobe at Simple Life

by roger on June 13, 2011 · 0 comments

in Asian Eye,Bryn Walker,Scarves

While the weather in Seattle is as fickle as the Mariners’ records, next week marks the official start of summer on the calendar. This can mean challenges in the wardrobe department as you may find your clothes are more geared toward the colder winter months. Fear not, you can “summerize” your wardrobe without having to spend a fortune. Stock up on a few wardrobe staples and get creative with your bright colors and lighter fabrics.

First, get out those white and cream-colored items in your wardrobe. While the old rule about wearing white after Labor Day no longer applies, summer is still the perfect time for white. Of course, you’ll want to coordinate white-colored items with colored accessories to spice up your ensemble.

This stylish tunic from the Bryn Walker collection is perfectly paired with lightweight blue Bryn Walker casbah pants and a beautiful Asian Eye scarf.

Of course, summer is also all about bright colors. There’s nothing like a coral or pink top to compliment a summer tan.

This scoop neck top from Cut Loose is made from lightweight linen so you’ll stay cool in the heat. It’s shown here with a handcrafted petite scarf from Asian Eye, a perfect summer accessory.

Beige and nude-colored clothes were all over the runway this spring and are most flattering on medium and olive skin tones. Beige clothing is a great way to showcase bright jewelry or for those who don’t care for bolder colors.

This wheat-colored tunic from Citron Bleu is lightweight and looks great with a signature Asian Eye scarf.

The word “shorts” can strike fear into the heart of any woman. It’s nearly impossible to find just the right pair. Too short won’t do, but too long or too baggy isn’t flattering on anyone. The trick is to choose a simple pair of shorts with sleek lines, ideally cut slightly above the knee, which will make you appear tall and thin. A shipment of Pacificotton walk shorts will be arriving at Simple Life this month.

And when the time comes for that much-anticipated vacation, you’ll want to pack the swimsuit coverup for those sunny afternoons lounging by the pool sipping fruity drinks and reading your favorite book. If only summer could last all year…

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Cut Loose this summer

by roger on June 6, 2011 · 0 comments

in Featured,Uncategorized

Cut Loose lightweight linen lantern pants are perfectly paired with a roundneck tee and jacket for cooler summer days.

Dress up your new swing tee with a beautiful scarf from the Asian Eye collection.

June has arrived and brought some much-appreciated sunshine and warmth to Seattle. It has also brought a new shipment to our doors from Cut Loose.

Cut Loose was founded in 1977 when two designers started garment dying cotton t-shirts and drawstring pants and selling them on San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Over the next three decades Cut Loose expanded and spread out across the United States and around the world.

The idea behind the brand was to bring European flair to the California way of dressing. Women who value comfort as much as style will love Cut Loose’s soft fabrics and relaxed styles. Cut Loose clothing is made from natural fibers and the company dyes the garments themselves in their San Francisco manufacturing facility. This allows them to maintain good quality control and pay their workers a fair wage.

The arrival of summer means adding more lightweight, cool pieces to our wardrobes. Make Simple Life your destination this week and Cut Loose with our new arrivals! Whether your summer includes walking on the beach or family picnics, we’ve got something for you to wear.

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Fridaze wrinkle-free linen returns

by roger on May 29, 2011 · 0 comments

in Featured

There’s a reason that Fridaze (pronounced “Fridays”) wrinkle-free linen is considered to be the highest quality linen on the market. Actually, there are several: aside from being lightweight, crisp, and resistant to wrinkles, each piece is hand cut by one of the brand’s master tailors. The exclusive finish keeps every item looking freshly-ironed all day long. The fabric is pre-washed and pre-shrunk so you don’t have to worry about the shape or size changing when you wash it. Oh, did we mention everything is also machine washable?

Fridaze is the wrinkle-free linen division of the Rising Phoenix family, which manufactures quality silk garments to high end boutiques. They began selling Fridaze pieces in 2010 and the venture has been overwhelmingly successful. The message is clear: women love linen that won’t crease or wrinkle all day. The linen is especially popular with frequent travelers. Each piece can be taken right out of the suitcase, worn and thrown into the wash.

Simple Life received a shipment from Fridaze last week and the comfortable neutral-colored pieces are now available. Last time our collection sold out quickly, so stop by this week and treat yourself to some stylish convenience.

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Accessorize with Asian Eye Scarves

by roger on May 22, 2011 · 0 comments

in Asian Eye,Featured,Scarves

Fashion trends come and go, but one thing is clear: scarves are here to stay. At Simple Life, our largest supplier comes from Asian Eye. Asian Eye scarves are handcrafted masterpieces and their designs and styles are diverse. Each scarf is a versatile investment for your wardrobe.

Many years ago the founders of Asian Eye, who always loved the arts of Asia, met a wise older woman who had spent her life working to re-establish and revitalize traditional Indian textile arts. They learned that enabling the artisans who earn a living through their art preserves the cultural traditions and helps to sustain them. They meet directly with the artisans and suppliers to personally design and select each piece. The result is a collection of beautiful handmade scarves available at retailers such as Simple Life.

There are as many ways to wear these scarves as there are outfits in your closet. Here is one tying technique:

First, to get a basic fold: fold the scarf in half diagonally, then fold it in half again. Fold it in half one last time until you have an oblong shape.

From there, try a french twist:

1). Place the middle of the scarf at the back of your neck; let ends hang down in the front.

2). Wrap the ends around each other once loosely.

3). Then loop over each other again loosely.

4). Still holding the ends, bring them to back of the neck and tie in a tiny knot.

Too complicated? Try an Asian Eye Petite scarf. This handcrafted beauty can be worn as a necklace and is an easy accessory to your outfit.

With new shipments arriving every two weeks, we’ve always got a large collection of beautiful scarves waiting to add some color to your wardrobe.

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New arrivals from Nomad Clothing

by roger on May 15, 2011 · 0 comments

in Featured,Nomad Clothing

Last week, Nomad clothing brightened our doors with new button-up camp shirts, V-neck smocks in papaya, sage and black and white along with three kinds of pants.

Nomad is the clothing line of Medina, a small family run business based out of Virginia. Each item of clothing is imported from artisans in Marrakesh, Morocco who use good quality cotton blends made to flatter your figure. Each piece is hand-cut, French-seam finished and cotton dyed. Better yet, the clothes are easy to care for.

The makers of Nomad support good works in Morocco through the Global Diversity Foundation so you can feel good about your wardrobe. And with all of the Nomad pieces currently at Simple Life, you’ll have plenty to feel good about.

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